The Effects of Peer-Assisted Learning on Disruptive Behavior and Academic Engagement

Education researchers have recently called for the development of interventions to address the needs of students with or at risk of disabilities who exhibit co-occurring academic and behavioral needs. Teachers of these students frequently prioritize intervening on problem behavior rather than academics. However, addressing students’ academic needs with interventions that change classroom environments may reduce problem behavior. This study examined the effects of a reciprocal peer-tutoring program on disruptive behavior and academic engagement. An A-B-A-B design was implemented in an eighth-grade intervention classroom receiving Tier 2 supports from a general educator, with one student who demonstrated frequent disruptive behavior and concomitant reading difficulty. Results support a functional relation between the intervention and changes in disruptive behavior and academic engagement. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.